If you have never been to a chiropractor before, you might believe that they exist merely to relieve back, neck and shoulder pain. However, the reality is that by receiving regular chiropractic care, your life can dramatically change for the better.

The reasoning behind the numerous life-changing benefits of regular chiropractic care is rooted in science. If you have a basic understanding of anatomy, you probably know that the entire nervous system of the body begins in the spine. This means that your spine controls everything that happens in your body, from liver function to your state of mind.

If, like most people, your spine is out of alignment, it cannot properly communicate with important parts of your body. A spine that has subluxation, or misalignment, cannot possibly function the way it is supposed to, and therefore your entire mind and body will suffer.

For instance, a majority of people have a curved cervical spine. The cervical spine is the top section of the spinal cord that connects your neck to your skull. The reason that this is such a common place for subluxation is because of the amount of time we spend looking down at our phones or a book.

When this area of the spine is out of alignment, our spine cannot properly communicate with our brain as the nerves in this area are no longer working properly. As a result, those with a curved cervical spine may experience frequent headaches, mood disorders and sinus problems.

Luckily, subluxation is reversible through chiropractic care. When receiving a spinal adjustment, your chiropractor will gently manipulate your spine to bring it back into alignment over a period of time. When your spine is properly aligned, your nervous system will once again be able to function properly.

Those who receive chiropractic adjustments on a weekly basis report a wide array of improvements. One of the first things that patients notice is that they suddenly have more energy and an improved sense of overall well-being. This is because when a spine is adjusted, energy and nerve supply can run freely throughout the body once again.

Many patients first visit a chiropractor in hopes of finding relief for back pain. However, as they begin to receive adjustments, they notice that certain ailments they have are beginning to disappear. For example, digestive issues can commonly be the result of subluxation as the spine controls the nerves which affect digestive processes. By manipulating the spine back into alignment, the irritation on the digestive system will gradually be restored and once again fully functional.

Many people who receive regular chiropractic care are surprised to discover that their allergy symptoms have disappeared after a few months of receiving adjustments. This is because the nervous system controls the immune system, and a healthy immune system will prevent allergy symptoms from occurring.

As you can see, chiropractic care is about so much more than relieving neck, back and shoulder pain. While a chiropractor can definitely relieve these types of aches and pains, he or she can also change your life dramatically for the better.

The moment you pull a muscle, you can feel it. The pain starts, the stretched sensation, the throbbing, the heat near the injured area and the swelling. Then there is your intense desire for fast relief.

With these five steps, you can quickly treat a pulled muscle so your body can start its healing process without delay.

Step 1: Apply R.I.C.E right away.

RICE stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation. This time-honored home remedy is recommended by medical professionals as an effective immediate treatment for pulled muscles.

The most important element of R.I.C.E. is rest. For at least 24 hours, try to use the strained muscle as little as possible. Throughout the day apply ice for about 10 minutes every 60 minutes.

While you are resting the strained area, you can gently wrap it with a compression bandage. While sitting and laying down, use chairs and pillows as needed to keep the injured area elevated above heart level (this aids in swelling reduction).

Step 2: Add in heat.

After the first 24 hours of RICE treatment, VeryWell recommends that you begin to add in heat. Alternate periods of heat with periods of ice and periods of rest.

Then you can do 10 minutes of ice followed by 10 minutes of heat and then 40 minutes of rest. As you notice the area feeling better you can do this less frequently.

Step 3: Avoid trying to use the muscle and don't "work it out."

A strained muscle is serious business. If a bruise appears, Fitness magazine advises that it is likely more to be a serious injury (this may indicate internal bleeding and then is wise to seek the advice of a doctor's care).

So trying to "work it out" by rolling the area, pulling on it, massaging it, or stretching it, isn't going to speed up the healing process. It could extend it. Just continue resting, icing and heating until you can gently move the injured area without undue discomfort.

Step 4: Take anti-inflammatories.

If the area is swollen, one of the best ways to quickly reduce the swelling and alleviate pain is to take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory/pain relievers.

However, be careful not to use these to begin moving again too quickly. This can cause a re-injury, since the medications will reduce your pain threshold to "mimic" healing!

Step 5: See a medical professional if your strain doesn't get better after a few days.

Sometimes pulled muscles can be more serious than they seem at first. Often it takes a few days before you can tell the difference between a minor and major injury.

If you have been resting the injured area and following these steps but you don't see any improvement, it is time to seek out professional medical care.

By following these five steps, you can make the most of the resources you have at home to immediately ease pain and swelling. This will give your body its best chance to heal up fast and in full. A doctor of chiropractic can help determine what is the best care and treatment for your condition.

Chiropractic – the name comes from a Greek word that means “done by hand” –it is a system of care developed by Daniel David Palmer. Chiropractic is based on ancient techniques of manipulation. Palmer believed that proper musculoskeletal alignment promoted optimum nervous system function. The nerves that run off the spinal cord control all body functions, including digestion, heart rate and many others. According to Palmer, when the spine is not properly aligned, the nerves cannot transmit electrical impulses properly, leading to health problems.

How Are Chiropractors Trained?
Daniel Palmer started the first training program – the Palmer School of Chiropractic – which is still in existence today. Other schools can be found in colleges and universities or in standalone organizations. Most require a bachelor's degree for entry, and the training program typically lasts four to five years. Courses include topics like anatomy, physiology, musculoskeletal and neurological function, and the use of diagnostic tests like imaging studies. In addition, chiropractors receive considerable training in nutrition, pregnancy care, whole-body wellness and related topics. A chiropractor must pass Board licensing exams and state licensing exams to practice in each state. There is also continuing education that is required to maintain a license.

What’s the process of a Chiropractic Visit?
The first step in chiropractic treatment is a health assessment. The doctor will collect information about the patient's past medical history, including family history, medical conditions, injuries and current medications. Next the doctor performs a physical examination, with a strong focus on musculoskeletal function, posture, gait and range of motion. Based on the findings from the history and examination, the chiropractor identifies specific alignment issues and develops a plan of care.

What Does A Chiropractic Adjustment Do?
The technique known as spinal adjustment or manipulation is probably the best-known and most commonly practiced of all chiropractic techniques. The chiropractor uses his or her hands or a special device to apply controlled force to a joint, while keeping other joints immobilized. This allows the joint to move into the correct anatomical position, which relieves pressure and promotes normal neurological function. Manipulation may also be used on joints other than those in the spine. Laser therapy, massage techniques and other treatments are focused on the musculoskeletal system, while nutrition counseling and wellness management promote overall health.

What Can A Chiropractor Do For Me?
Chiropractic was originally developed as a way to help patients achieve health without the use of medications. The focus is heavily oriented to spinal alignment because of the spine's effects on neurological function to the muscles and organs of the body.

What Does A Chiropractor Treat?
Chiropractors treat back, neck and joint pain, and chiropractic treatment is often effective for headaches. What does a Chiropractor do for lower back pain?Chiropractors can help patients correct their posture and develop habits that promote better alignment and reduce pain. They may also perform gait analysis, which can identify movement patterns that contribute to pain, or problems that affect the overall alignment of the musculoskeletal system, like pronation, which causes the foot to roll and contributes to knee and ankle pain and bunions. Chiropractic is also helpful for pregnancy-related back pain and can promote an easier delivery by getting the hips aligned.